Ride 100 Miles in San Diego! March 7, 2010 - Little Italy in San Diego, CA

The history of cycling is often told through stories of its greatest climbers battling on the slopes of the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites. What cycling fan hasn’t been captivated by the tales of Coppi vs. Bartali, Hinault vs. Lemond or Armstrong vs. Contador?

The reputations of Europe’s most famous amateur events — the cyclosportives and granfondos — have also been built upon their climbs. The Nove Colli is named for its nine hills; La Marmotte finishes on the summit of Alpe d’Huez after climbing the Glandon, Telegraphe and Galibier; and the Maratona dles Dolomites doles out over 13,000’ of vertical including the 29 hairpins of the Passo Giau.

Continuing the tradition in the USA are the Gran Fondos Colnago. A signature feature of each of our events is a challenging timed climb that will determine the Kings – and Queens — of the Mountain.

In 2010 Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego has more than doubled the number of its KOM & QOM prizes… Over 70 in all!

The timed climb in the Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego — located at approximately mile 40 to 47 on the route – is 6.75 miles long, up the winding Honey Springs Road.  The climb ranges in grade from 3% up to 12% (averaging 5.2%), with the steepest portion very near the summit.   Your total vertical is 1,858 feet. 

Although not a particularly difficult climb on paper, many cyclists have trouble with it due to poor pacing or starting out too hard.   If you leave some gas in your tank for the second half, you’ll be sure to post a great time and have plenty in reserve for the remainder of the ride.

Unlike last year, there is no aid station at the top of the climb.  Instead you’ll find a fantastic SAG stop 1.5 miles downhill from the summit at the Lyons Valley Trading Post.

Those who tackle the 101-mile “Gran Fondo” course will automatically compete for one of the following prizes: